By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. —
The City of Alpharetta has created a new community stage in an unlikely space — a former Foot Locker on the second level of the North Point Mall. Located next to the food court and iconic
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
Find candidate questionnaires, more elections coverage on appenmedia.com.
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Early voting for the 2025 elections is underway and ends on Oct. 31. City elections and the state Public Service Commission races are on the ballot this year. Election Day is Nov. 4. In Fulton and DeKalb counties, polls are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7
p.m., and on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Oct. 26 from 12-5 p.m.
The Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page will show you your sample ballot and polling location. Visit that page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.
See VOTING, Page 17
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — The Fulton County Commission batted around legislative priorities Oct. 15 in advance of the Georgia General Assembly’s session beginning in early January.
The purpose is to isolate on issues the county wants its state senators and representatives to pursue under the Gold Dome.
The proposed legislative agenda will be finalized at the commission’s Nov. 5 meeting, according to External Affairs Director Jessica Corbitt.
In developing Fulton County’s legislative priorities, Corbitt said she met with high-ranking county staff and commissioners before attending the state’s Association County Commissioners meeting early this month.
The top three priorities are to increase judicial resources for the Fulton County Superior Court, to oppose any legislation diminishing local control and to support an amendment to the Georgia Taxpayer Bill of Rights to allow online publication of millage rate advertisements.
Officials in North Fulton cities have cited their own concerns with the county’s Rice Street jail and the pace of criminal prosecutions.
In her presentation, Corbitt said no other judicial circuit in the state sees the volume and complexity of cases than the Atlanta Judicial Circuit, which includes the county’s Superior Court.
According to a state analysis, the Atlanta Judicial Circuit would need five or six additional judges for its bench to meet the current workload.
See SESSION, Page 17
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By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A Sandy Springs police officer has resigned after allegedly using the city's Flock camera network to help develop a surveillance product for a company where he works, according to interviews and documents obtained by Appen Media.
Public records show Francis Michael Esposito had been with the Sandy Springs Police Department since 2016. According to an internal affairs report and other materials obtained by Appen Media, he resigned in August amid a department investigation into his alleged use of cityleased software to help improve commercial data platform Signal 8.
The Sandy Springs Police Department uses products from Flock Safety, an automated license plate reader and security software company based in Atlanta. The firm’s technology identifies and logs vehicles moving through town to assist police with criminal investigations.
Flock users can perform searches of identifying information – such as license plate numbers or descriptions – to help locate vehicles they suspect are connected to criminal activity. When departments make these queries, they can search certain databases of other agencies as well, tapping into a nationwide network of sources.
The platform also allows agencies to set up lists of vehicles to monitor, getting alerts if they appear in the network.
Flock says its system “is trusted by more than 5,000 communities across the country…” That figure includes all 10 of the cities and counties Appen Media covers in north Metro Atlanta.
Esposito joined the Sandy Springs Police Department in 2016 and was promoted to sergeant in 2021, according to public records obtained by Appen Media.
While employed as a Sandy Springs officer, Esposito began working for Cantonbased Signal 8, a public safety software startup founded by former Sandy Springs
Police Detective Brandon Puhlman, according to their LinkedIn profiles and other public materials.
Signal 8 connects “multiple systems in one interface to reduce time spent on administrative tasks” and help officers deploy quickly, according to its website.
Puhlman, who served with Sandy Springs Police from 2017 to 2021, did not respond to interview requests for this story. Esposito also did not respond.
Earlier this year, Esposito used his Sandy Springs Police credentials to conduct searches in the Flock network for the purpose of informing Signal 8 algorithms, according to a police internal affairs report obtained by Appen Media.
The report alleges Esposito searched Flock for license plate numbers belonging to himself and other employees of Signal 8 along with their families.
“Additionally, there were other entries identified relative to the same dates and reasons, but the names and vehicles could not be definitively identified,” as tied to Signal 8, it noted.
The report also alleges Esposito made searches for the personal license plate number of a fellow Sandy Springs officer.
Esposito’s Flock queries were not made for law enforcement purposes, but instead “for the benefit of a private company for which he was employed,” the investigation alleges. According to the internal affairs report, data gleaned from the searches was used to inform and improve the Signal 8 platform.
Sandy Springs Police officials also sent a letter to Flock Safety, which Appen Media obtained, alerting them to the allegations. In it they write that Esposito, “was utilizing his Sandy Springs Police Department Flock login to obtain Flock Camera data for commercial purposes to validate beta data for a product for a company identified as Signal 8.”
Esposito was under investigation for the alleged actions when he resigned in August.
However, Sandy Springs officials say
they consider his exit a termination. The reason, they told Appen Media, is because Esposito allegedly refused to answer questions during the probe.
“Frank Esposito was recently terminated after he failed to cooperate during an internal affairs investigation into possible misconduct,” Sgt. Leon Millholland told the newspaper.
In September, Sandy Springs sent Esposito a letter, obtained by Appen Media through a public records request, informing him the investigation had, “concluded with sustained findings of violations of department policies: Abuse of Position and Authority; Common Sense and Judgement; Conduct Unbecoming.” The notice also stated that Esposito’s status, “is officially classified as Terminated, effective August 20, 2025.”
Appen Media also learned Esposito was not an active-duty officer during the time he conducted the alleged Flock searches, according to state, city and other records obtained by the newspaper.
The internal affairs report alleges Esposito made the license plate inquiries from January to April.
According to his personnel file and state records, Esposito resigned from his full-time post with Sandy Springs Police and joined the department’s volunteer Reserve Unit in January.
“Reserve SSPD officers are unpaid sworn officers that volunteer 10 hours a month with the department,” Millholland said. “All Reserve SSPD officers have the same access to department resources and must adhere to the same policies and standards as full and part-time sworn officers.”
Appen Media asked Flock for its reaction to the allegations.
“Upon learning of the situation last month, Flock promptly addressed it directly with Signal 8,” Flock Safety Communications Officer Josh Thomas said.
Managing Editor Pat Fox, Staff Reporter Annabelle Reiter contributed reporting.
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — The Fulton County Ethics Board dismissed a complaint Oct. 16 filed by Commissioner Dana Barrett that accused Commissioner Bridget Thorne of improperly influencing two stalled Election Board appointees.
The basis of the ethics complaint was Thorne’s comments about the Republican appointees to the County Elections Board, sitting member Julie Adams and twice-nominated Jason Frazier, during the Sept. 3 County Commission meeting.
“If Jason and Julie did anything that was illegal or harmful or falsely removed anybody, I’d be the first person to correct them,” Thorne said. “And they would take that correction.”
Later in the meeting, commissioners voted along party lines to “table” a vote on the Republican Party’s nominees to the Registration and Elections Board until a state Appellate Court ruling.
The county’s $10,000 a day fine is on hold until the appellate ruling.
Thorne, a Republican representing the east side of North Fulton, and Barrett, a Democrat representing Buckhead and southern Sandy Springs, rarely see eye to eye on the Fulton County Commission.
Appen Media included the quote in a Sept. 5 article, writing “Thorne said she would hold Frazier and Adams accountable …” and including more of her comments.
“We’re all up here,” Thorne said during the Sept. 3 meeting. “We all want fair, independent, accountable and transparent elections. That’s what was stated that you guys want. [The] Republican Party wants the exact same thing.”
Commissioner Barrett’s complaint alleged four violations of Fulton County’s Code of Ethics, including conflict of interest, improper influence, appearance of impropriety and disclosure of interest. After hearing Thorne’s comments, Barrett said she immediately texted her attorney who was in the crowd about potential ethics violations.
Ultimately, Barrett’s ethics complaint against Thorne backfired after the Ethics Board voted 4-3 to not send the complaint to a full hearing.
“Three of the members of the Ethics Board agreed that there was enough there to move forward, and one of the four who voted against moving forward openly stated that he had not watched the video,” Barrett told Appen Media after the ruling.
Since the complaint was dismissed, Barrett said there is not much else for her to do besides potentially penning a letter to the Ethics Board.
“I have concerns about the ethics hearing process in that it was not clear that I was going to be making an opening statement,” Barrett said. “I spoke, then Bridget spoke, I was not given the opportunity to respond to the new information that she added in her remarks.”
Thorne’s attorney wrote that her statement reflected “a general expectation of lawful behavior” and “an intent to correct unlawful conduct.”
Thorne said the dismissal confirms she acted within her ethical and legal responsibilities.
“This decision reaffirms what I’ve said from the start — the complaint was baseless,” Thorne said. “I’m grateful the Ethics Board applied the law and dismissed this politically motivated claim.”
The Alpharetta Women’s Half Marathon and 5k by HOKA athletes will be running through your neighborhood and streets Sunday November 2. Due to the nature of the event, select city streets along the route be restricted during the event. Please visit our website for a copy of the route and suggested detours: http://alpharettawomenshalf.events
We appreciate your help in bringing this race back to the city and hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this exciting event. We apologize for any inconvenience that it may cause you. Members of the Alpharetta Police Department will be at all major intersections along the route to direct you around the restricted roads. If you need assistance, please email us at info@race10x.com.
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Sunday, Nov. 9th 10am – 3pm
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• All booths are indoors
• Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes
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By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga — Roswell has unveiled the city’s proposed 2026 budget, a $230 million spending plan that focuses on public safety, which includes continuing to transition the Fire Department to a full-time force.
Director of Finance Adam Novotney made the formal budget presentation at the Oct. 14 City Council meeting.
Novotney said that a jump in salary and benefits from previous years is due to the Fire Department continuing to transition into full-time roles and hourly wages at the Police Department growing to at least $30 an hour.
While the city forecasts expenditures to increase, property tax revenues are expected to hold about the same at $43 million. Even so, overall revenue is set to increase to $226.4 million, up about 8 percent, chiefly due to charges for services.
Service charges are the largest estimated funding source, expected to bring in nearly $57.5 million across all funds. These include sanitation services, impact fees, mandated E-911 fees, stormwater utility fees, water billing revenues and other services provided by the city.
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Director of Finance Adam Novotney gives the budget presentation for fiscal year 2026 at a council meeting on Oct. 14. Roswell has proposed a $233 million budget for fiscal year 2026.
Sales tax is the second largest revenue source, with city staff estimating $51.5 million in funding –$20 million of it from Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST). The remainder will come through the county’s Local Options Sales Tax (LOST) and be put toward the general fund balance.
General fund revenues are expected to increase to $105.1 million, Roswell
CFO Bill Godshall said at a budget workshop.
City officials have already approved a property tax rate steady at 4.949 mills.
Business taxes across all funds are also expected to increase by $1.1 million from this year. These revenues include franchise, alcohol, insurance and occupation taxes, which account for 12.8 percent of the total revenue budget.
The FY 2026 budget totals $230.4 million in expenditures against $226.5 million in current year revenues, with the $3.9 million difference funded through the use of prior year fund balances and reserves.
Proposed capital expenditures are estimated at $21.5 million and include replacing the roof at City Hall, revitalizing the new police headquarters and financing the Green Street mobility project which includes construction of the parking deck on Alpharetta Street. Funding for five capital projects is also included in the general fund, including $3.1 million for road resurfacing. In further commitment to slowing down traffic in Roswell, the general fund budget allocates $400,000 to a pilot program covering 11 neighborhoods to develop trafficcalming initiatives.
Budget adoption is expected to take place Oct. 27 after the second reading and another round of public comments.
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga — Construction on phase one of a new mile-long multiuse trail along Woodstock Road is expected to begin by the end of the year after the Roswell City Council gave preliminary approval of a $3.2 million contract during a Committees of Council meeting on Oct. 14.
The 8-foot to 10-foot trail along Woodstock Road will be lined with pedestrian lighting starting at Ga. 92 south to Crabapple Middle School. Construction is expected to take nine months with a goal to be completed by the time Fulton County schools start in 2026.
Formal approval of the contract is scheduled for the Oct. 27 City Council meeting.
Councilman David Johnson said the project is a great use of the transportation sales tax (TSPLOST II), which will fund $2.4 million of the
construction costs. The remaining amount of $855,500 is available through the Fulton County Waterline Intergovernmental Agreement due to waterline work being done as part of the project, Greg Nicolas, interim Transportation Department director, said.
Staff, along with Roswell Department of Transportation, reviewed 10 construction bids prior to awarding the contract to Azimuth Contractors – the lowest responsive bidder. The contract was approved at $3.2 million, just a hair below what the city had authorized for the project.
Councilwoman Sarah Beeson raised concerns about road closures during the school year, but Nicolas said the contractor will not be allowed to close lanes during school hours.
Phase two of the Woodstock multiuse trail will connect Crabapple Middle School to Canton Street. Nicolas said the city is working to
acquire right-of-way, which could take about one year. Construction on phase two is expected to begin early 2027.
In other matters at the council meeting, it was announced that the Crabapple Center will have six regulation pickleball courts available for rental and drop-in play by March. When Roswell acquired the property from the Fulton County School District in 2024, the two existing tennis courts were deemed beyond repair, Deputy City Administrator and Senior Vice President of Community Services Jeffrey Leatherman said. Converting the space will allow the city to address the community’s desire for more pickleball courts, he said.
The council approved the $172,500 contract with Signature Tennis Courts, leaving 20 percent of the total budget allocation to account for unforeseen circumstances and cost adjustments. Construction on the courts is set to begin Dec. 1.
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — When homecoming king and senior quarterback Trey Smith gave his crown to the Hornets’ biggest fan, Jake Jeffries, he didn’t realize people across the country and world would be touched by the story.
Kaitlyn Ross, a reporter from 11Alive, posted an Instagram Reel Oct. 12 that quickly garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and comments. Now, videos of the crowning have been viewed millions of times.
National outlets and social media pages such as Fox News, Overtime Elite and World Star followed Ross with videos and posts of their own. The story has reached nearly every social media platform: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Reddit.
Smith was nominated to homecoming court by teachers just four days before the dance, as a representative of the football team. He met with school administration, where the plan started to come together – to honor the true heart of the football team.
Jeffries is the hype man on the sidelines, helping with handing out water bottles or game balls and is always there for a supportive gesture in the trainers room.
Smith felt that Jeffries would be a better representation of what it means to be a Roswell Hornet, so he ran to where Jeffries was standing upon receiving the crown –before it even made it on Smith’s head.
The crowd erupted as Smith began to transfer his homecoming king swag to Jeffries: the crown, cape and sash. Adjusting Jeffries’ crown as a final touch, Smith then gestured to the crowd for more noise.
Smith began a butterfly effect felt all over the country, spreading a message
of kindness that has touched so many hearts.
Jeffries’ father Scott said the moment was “surreal” and the team’s inclusion of Jake on the sidelines was priceless. Jake hasn’t missed a game since ninth grade.
Smith said multiple players on the football team who help with Roswell’s community-based instruction sector of the special education department have connected Jeffries with the team since middle school, and his relationship with the team has been invaluable.
“He’s such a fun guy to be around, he’s really funny and always cracking jokes,” Smith said. “He plays a big role in our team’s success, just being our hype man, so it was only right to give him the glory. It makes me happy that I was able to spread God’s love and spread God’s kindness and that it made people’s day brighter.”
Smith said the response has been overwhelming; his former teammates and Roswell alumni from all over the country have reached out to him. He said out of the whole experience, he is most proud to be a bit of light for those in the darkness.
Roswell Athletic Director Ben Sutter agreed with Smith that one of the best parts of homecoming weekend was watching the energy transfer to Saturday night at the homecoming dance and Jeffries enjoying his reign as king, leading a conga line with a blue lightsaber in line with the Star Wars theme.
“Jake is the ultimate Roswell kid, he doesn’t have bad days and he makes you smile just because he loves being out there,” Sutter said. “It’s bigger than football, it’s bigger than just Roswell. In a world where kids can get very caught up in social media and their own selves, it’s great for people to be able to see this and the type of kid Trey is as well as see how Jake is a valued part of the team.”
With room for an audience of 150, the stage offers dressing rooms, a lobby, professional level lighting and sound, giving residents and performers a true theater-style experience.
City officials established the Spotlight after studies showed residents wanted a theater for performances and events, said Kim Zane, cultural services manager. The stage launched in the summer and has quickly picked up steam.
A partnership with North Point Mall allows the City of Alpharetta to use the space free of rent. Refurbishing the former Foot Locker cost $174,000. Rental rates run from $35 per hour to $200 per day, depending on the equipment to be used.
From the start, officials focused on flexibility, making sure the seating, stage and could adapt to a variety of events and crowd sizes. Its stage, microphones, curtain, sound system, lights and other features also are able to relocate if the Spotlight finds a new home outside the mall.
It already has hosted musical acts, talent shows, dance recitals and summer camps.
Members of Arcadia Theater, a nonprofit performing arts group, took the stage Oct. 12 with a performance that included some of Broadway’s most iconic numbers. The professionally trained performers showcased a variety of show tunes from numerous hits from “The Sound of Music” to “My Fair Lady.”
Stacia Ray said the opportunity to perform has enriched her life in a dramatic way. The full-time writer and editor rediscovered the stage decades after doing theater in high school.
“This is a true community theater essence,” Ray said. “People here are not out to try to get discovered on Broadway. They’re here to get to know each other, to have fun in life.”
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For Ray, the best part of performing are the interactions with fellow performers during rehearsals and performances, something she has found enormously rewarding.
“It was the idea of an instant family,” she said. “I get really emotional thinking about it.”
Arcadia is an offshoot of Act One Theater, a 30-year community theater group based out of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Randy Bampfield, Arcadia managing director, said the Spotlight gives the group a space more suitable for productions. Spaces at churches are in high demand. Performances also faced limitations on content because churches are inherently faith-based.
Bampfield said the group’s productions are certainly enjoyable for audiences, but they also serve an important purpose for the performers.
The chance to get on stage allows them to practice their skills and build their resumes to pursue other gigs.
“It’s something that we all do for fun and enjoyment, but … it gives them an outlet to utilize those skills and talents that they’ve developed over the years,” Bampfield said. Continued from Page 1
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — For many Johns Creek residents, celebrating Diwali is a way of remembering where they come from.
“This is what represents our culture, our history, our heritage,” said Veena Potla, emcee for the event.
Thousands visited the annual Diwali Market celebration at City Hall. The festival featured food, music and about a dozen vendors.
The market was held about a week before the start of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights which marks the triumph of good over evil.
At City Hall, visitors enjoyed the sights, sounds and flavors of Indian cultures from colorfully dressed dancers to booming Bollywood music to sumptuous traditional cuisine.
Potla, donned in a flowing pink dress and silver jewelry, said Johns Creek has set an example in celebrating Indian culture. More than 30 percent of the city’s residents identify their race as Asian.
“Johns Creek has been leading by example,” she said.
The event also allowed Indian residents to showcase their culture, she said.
“I saw a lot of, not only Indians here, but other people, as well,” she said. “I’m very, very proud to share my culture with them.”
Sree Shama, Johns Creek resident and event planning committee member, said he enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with the culture of his birthplace. He left India for the U.S. in 1988.
He said he finds comfort seeing fellow Indians remember their heritage.
“It’s nostalgic,” he said. “It feels good.”
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By TY TAGAMI Capitol Beat
ATLANTA — A half dozen state lawmakers are now running for Georgia lieutenant governor, as another Republican senator joins the race, hoping to outflank his opposition on the right.
Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, a conservative from the northern Atlanta suburbs, joins a cast of fellow conservative senators, all from outside the biggest metro area — plus an Atlanta Senate Democrat and a GOP state representative from Buford.
Dolezal will campaign to succeed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, the Trump-backed Republican running for governor.
Dolezal’s campaign announcement on YouTube Tuesday focused on his right wing credentials as the chief sponsor of the Riley Gaines Act, a new law that bans students born male from participating on female athletic teams in schools and colleges.
Dolezal also said he would crack down on extremists who riot and burn cities, as well as illegal immigration, diversity equity and inclusion programs, and “soft on crime” prosecutors.
“I’m running for lieutenant governor because we’re at a turning point as the radical left continues to threaten our public safety,” Dolezal’s advertisement says, as a siren wails in the background.
The chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and vice chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee is up against political powerhouses.
Sen. John F. Kennedy, R-Macon, stepped aside as president pro tempore of the Senate — the highest office in that chamber below lieutenant governor — to run for lieutenant governor. Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, stepped down as majority leader — the next highest office — to run for lieutenant governor. And Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, who outranks Dolezal on Appropriations as chairman of that budget-writing committee, is also running for lieutenant governor.
Add Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, who served in Afghanistan with the Green Berets, and next year’s Republican primary is shaping up to be a rowdy contest as the candidates attempt to differentiate themselves.
Clark said in his campaign announcement that “a world on fire” needs warriors not politicians. His entry came one day after Tillery announced his candidacy, both hitting similar notes about tax cuts, illegal immigration and
transgender issues. Kennedy and Gooch are also running on platforms aimed to appeal to President Donald Trump’s MAGA base.
They would all likely appreciate an endorsement from Trump, but Dolezal was the only member of the bunch who got to speak at Jones’ gubernatorial campaign opener for governor at Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla.
That was in late August, a couple weeks after Trump had already endorsed Jones for governor.
Dolezal railed against Republicans who were silent on Trump when he was down politically.
“This is what I call political opportunism,” Dolezal said. “These politicians want a ticket on the Trump train, but they never paid the price.”
At least one candidate for lieutenant governor wants nothing to do with Trump.
Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs, regular ridiculed the president on the Senate floor during this past legislative session. He is the only state lawmaker campaigning for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, the office that sets the agenda for the state Senate and influences the fate of legislation in that chamber.
This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.
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By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Milton’s farm winery saga, centering around an alcohol beverage license for a business within a subdivision off New Providence Road, has ended.
City Manager Steven Krokoff confirmed Oct. 6 that the city’s insurer — the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency — has finalized and settled the case for $600,000 with Jim and Daryn Rosenberger.
Krokoff said it’s been a long and interesting process.
Under the settlement, the Rosenbergers will not pursue an alcohol license or permit for a farm winery at their property on Blackmaral Lane, he said.
“The city remains committed to ensuring clarity in its ordinances and to balancing agricultural enterprise with neighborhood compatibility,” Krokoff said.
The nature of the land use debate pitted neighbor against neighbor, culminating in a legal proceeding at City Hall where the farm winery’s application was ultimately denied.
“Both the applicant and the neighboring residents held valid concerns,” Krokoff said.
“The applicants had relied on what they believed were bona fide approvals to proceed toward a farm winery.
Neighbors, in contrast, felt inadequately informed by the city about the public process and otherwise opposed a commercial-type use within a residential area.”
Last April, following the city’s denial of an alcohol license application for the proposed farm winery, the applicants sued the city.
The Rosenbergers alleged the city’s denial was improper.
“The city denied any liability,” Krokoff said, “and the agreement states the settlement was reached solely to avoid the additional cost and burden of litigation.”
Farm wineries were introduced into city code in 2015 as part of a broader effort to support Georgia agriculture and slow the sale and subdivision of Milton’s farms.
Still, the farms are disappearing.
Krokoff said the goal was to provide agricultural property owners with viable business opportunities consistent with the city’s rural character and the state’s agricultural economy.
Initially, farm wineries were authorized by-right on agriculturally zoned (AG-1) land, which encompasses most of Milton.
In zoning terms, by-right means a property owner may use their land in accordance with existing zoning regulations without further approval by the city government.
The rezoning of 13555 Blackmaral Lane from a community unit plan, or CUP, to agricultural, or AG-1, occurred in May 2021, just before a moratorium on farm wineries went into effect.
A Planning Commission staff report
dated March 24, 2021, stated the intent was “to rezone from CUP to AG-1… to construct a new single-family residence and to allow the existing accessory structure to be in the front yard.”
In December 2021, the city amended its zoning code to require a City Councilapproved use permit for any new farm wineries.
Krokoff said because of that condition, and because the public hearing process had focused on the property’s use as a farm winery, city staff reasonably believed that the AG-1 approval had effectively grandfathered the farm winery use.
“To that end, building permits for work related to the farm winery were issued by the city to the property owners as late as 2023,” he said. “Only after a very intensive review into the property’s history and prior land use approvals was it concluded that the property may not have been grandfathered.”
As plans for the farm winery ramped up in fall 2024, Appen Media began reporting on neighbors’ opposition from the Providence Plantation neighborhood and the Boxwood Estates subdivision.
Surrounding neighborhoods urged councilmembers to deny the alcohol beverage license for the Rosenberger’s farm winery throughout winter 2023-24 and into the spring.
“One major concern was that the public-facing information generated by the city related to the downzoning from CUP to AG-1 had not effectively communicated a potential farm winery operation,” Krokoff said. “The neighbors felt their voice had been diluted during the public hearing process.”
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October 31st might bring you children dressed as superheroes, vampires or werewolves seeking sweets or creating mischief. Although trickor-treating has been part of American tradition since the 1920s, the legends behind some of the most popular costumes are far older. Tales of vampires and werewolves appear throughout the Middle Ages and perhaps as far back as the Epic of Gilgamesh (c. 1800 BCE). What inspired these frightening figures? Surprisingly, medicine offers intriguing clues. And oddly enough, the same science that helped fuel vampire and werewolf lore is now helping dermatologists fight sun damage and skin cancer.
A group of rare diseases known as porphyrias may have shaped these legends. Porphyrias disrupt the body’s ability to make heme, the molecule that gives blood its red color and carries oxygen. Heme production is an eightstep biochemical process beginning with aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Each step requires a different enzyme. When one enzyme fails, its substrate accumulates—like chocolates piling up in the famous “I Love Lucy” assembly line scene. These buildups, called porphyrins, damage the body.
Depending on which enzyme malfunctions, porphyrins may harm the nervous system or the skin. Neurologic damage can cause pain, seizures, or psychosis. But it is porphyria’s effects on the skin, hair, and teeth that echo most loudly in folklore.
Some porphyrias cause extreme sun sensitivity: a patient’s skin may blister after just minutes in sunlight. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to scarring, thickening, and dark pigmentation. Excess hair may also develop in sun-damaged areas. Teeth can even turn reddish—a condition known as erythrodontia. And in severe cases, victims might literally cry out in pain and flee the daylight. Add paranoia or hallucinations, and you can almost hear the medieval villager whisper: “He only comes out at night… with red teeth and wild hair.”
While no single disease explains the vampire or werewolf archetype in full, the combination of symptoms across different porphyrias could easily have fueled the central features of these myths.
Other medical conditions likely played a role as well. In hypertrichosis, individuals grow hair uncontrollably across the face and body, lending a wolf-like appearance. Rabies can cause aggression and biting, resembling the transmission of vampirism through a bite. Psychiatric conditions may have added their part, too—cases of hemomania, a compulsion involving blood, have been associated with multiple mental illnesses.
Medical historians still debate the exact diseases that inspired vampire and werewolf lore, but legends often arise from a blend of real observations and poetic license including the fisherman’s tendency to exaggerate the one that got away.
Remarkably, the same biochemical pathway that gives rise to porphyria also powers one of modern dermatology’s most effective skin cancer prevention tools. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), often called blue light therapy, deliberately induces a brief, controlled version of porphyria in unhealthy cells. During PDT, a dermatologist applies aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to sundamaged skin. Abnormal cells absorb the ALA and become highly sensitive to light. When exposed to blue light, these cells are selectively damaged and destroyed—like Dracula at a beach party.
By exploiting this weakness, PDT reduces precancerous growths known as actinic keratoses and lowers the risk of future skin cancers. It is one of several non-surgical options in dermatology, alongside topical treatments like 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod, which also target precancers and some early cancers. For most patients, these therapies provide a safe and effective means of halting sun damage before it progresses.
The connection between folklore and medicine highlights how ancient fears sometimes foreshadow scientific discovery. What once seemed supernatural—avoiding daylight, growing thick hair, or exhibiting red teeth—can now be explained biochemically. And today, modern dermatology harnesses the very same pathways to save lives.
So, when a tiny vampire or werewolf comes begging for candy this October, you might smile at the candy bowl and think not only of myths, but also of medicine and of the curious ways that science and legend intertwine.
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
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The good news is you have through December 7th to figure it out, but don’t procrastinate. Have a plan!
Step 1 - Read your ANOC, your Annual Notice of Change, for your plan. Every Medicare insurance company is required to have mailed you one by now.
Remember, the Annual Enrollment Period ONLY applies to Medicare Advantage and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans . If you are on Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement, you only need to pay attention to your Prescription Drug Plan.
Medicare Supplement plans do not change in benefit. Also, annual increases on Medicare Supplements are not calendar year based either.
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There are a few Medicare Advantage plans offering a little more robust benefits in Georgia, and these plans might be a fit for you. However, a lot of the “household names” are hunkering down for next year and keeping plans fairly consistent with this year.
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correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 4 and 6 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
1. Tributary of the Ohio River. Seaweed. Farm vehicle.
2. Bad to the bone. Soup scoop. Glasgow’s river.
3. Like a yenta. World’s 2nd longest river. Three-toed bird.
4. Carpenter’s tool. Andes beast. River of Tuscany.
5. Garbage. Asian river that rises in the Himalayas. Ruler.
6. Ice house. 18-wheeler.
Rio Grande tributary.
7. Yorkshire river. Bugs bugs him. Dressing type.
of
1 Tributary of the Ohio River. Seaweed. Farm vehicle.
2. Bad to the bone. Soup scoop. Glasgow’s river
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Like a yenta. World’s 2nd longest river. Three-toed bird.
4. Carpenter’s tool. Andes beast. River of Tuscany
5. Garbage Asian river that rises in the Himalayas. Ruler.
6. Ice house. 18-wheeler. Rio Grande tributary
7. Yorkshire river. Bugs bugs him. Dressing type
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — A grassroots effort, spurred by a trio of Dunwoody residents, saw around 100 people turn out at Brook Run Park Oct. 14 for an evening “Honoring Charlie Kirk and Celebrating Civil Discourse.”
The date of the memorial fell on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. During his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University Sept. 10, Kirk was assassinated by a lone gunman on camera in front of the entire world.
Kirk co-founded the conservative student organization Turning Point USA in 2012 and served as its executive director, forming a close relationship with President Donald Trump and Republican Party leaders.
Kirk is considered one of the most prominent conservative activists of his generation. His wife Erica accepted his posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House earlier in the day.
The Oct. 14 memorial service featured a Charlie Kirk-style friendly debate, a reflection, prayers and comments from people who knew him.
While Turning Point USA
Dunwoody resident and former state Rep. Tom Taylor signs a poster Oct. 14 during the “Honoring Charlie Kirk and Celebrating Civil Discourse” memorial service at Brook Run Park while a toddler cheers him on.
members attended and spoke during the memorial, it was put together unofficially by residents. Naturally, highlights of Kirk’s conversations with American college students played on the big screen between speakers.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, a product of Dunwoody’s Village Mill neighborhood, said he was proud to be back home for the memorial, which
garnered some national attention.
“Charlie’s assassination has struck a nerve in the United States, and whether you agree with him or you didn’t, it just has,” Carr said. “I can’t tell you how many friends of mine reached out to me because their kids reached out to them when Charlie was murdered.”
Carr said he remains impressed with Kirk’s unique ability to get young
people interested in politics, showing that being a conservative was not just acceptable but “cool.”
Reactions to his assassination reflect the nation’s political polarization, which some say created the conditions for 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson to get his father’s hunting rifle and kill the father of two young children.
Robinson’s text messages showed he “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred,” revealing a premeditated murder, which the Federal Bureau of Investigation calls nihilistic violent extremism, or NVT.
Most Americans mourned the killing, but some were divided about his contributions to free speech and open debate. After facts surrounding his assassination became public, Americans briefly united in opposition to political violence before returning to the divisive rhetoric.
Jay B. Hickey, the host of the memorial and one of its chief organizers, said he woke up angry on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and wanted to do something in Kirk’s honor.
“Thank you for giving us people like Charlie,” Hickey said during a prayer.
See MEMORIAL, Page 19
ALPHARETTA, Ga.— The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on Sept. 25 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Top row, from left
Aarya Gopinath, of Troop 2000G, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Aarya’s project was the design and construction of two benches, spreading 235 square feet of mulch and gravel, planting shrubs, repainting the yellow strips on seven steps for safety measures and painting of the entire stairwell.
Andrew Schmitt, of Troop 7153, sponsored by St. Brigid Catholic Church. Andrew’s project was renovating and repairing the courtyard at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, which included pressure washing the walls and pavement and outdoor pews, building two benches, laying down new pine straw, and then repainting wooden pews and flower boxes.
John Allen, District director, Atlanta Area Council
William Thomas, of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church. William’s project was the design
and construction of six outdoor benches for Innovation Academy.
Ryan Schenck, of Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 201. His project was the design and construction of six PVC plant display shelving units for the Old Rucker Farm.
Hoke Wilcox, of Troop 1486, sponsored by North River Baptist Church. Hoke’s project was the design and construction of six benches for River Eves Elementary School.
Bottom row, from left
Tarania Ramesh, of Troop 2000G, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Tarania’s project was the design and construction of 10 outdoor benches for the Forsyth County Humane Society so potential adopters could sit outside and familiarize themselves with their dogs.
Logan Bradway, of Troop 1486, sponsored by North River Baptist Church. Logan’s project was the design and construction of a 16’x8’ footbridge and four curb ramps for the Cross Country Team at Milton High School.
Rex Zhang, of Troop 27, sponsored by
the Johns Creek Christian Church. Rex’s project was the design and construction of a picnic table and four outdoor benches for the Magnolia Senior Living Community at Dawsonville.
Aditya More, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta United Methodist Church. Aditya’s project was the design and construction of eight outdoor benches for Northwestern Middle School Outdoor Basketball Courts.
Jackson Ballard, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. Jackson’s project was the design and construction of barrier rope fences around the vertical climbing tower, vertical playpen and tree throws 1 and 2 at Perimeter Church. Jackson also built a hurricaneproof table for the course.
Everett Lawder, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Everett’s project was the design and construction of a rainwater catch composed of river rocks and the construction of two benches for the cross country trail at Milton High School.
Patton Schiller, of Troop 2143, sponsored by The American Legion Post 251. Patton’s project was the restoration of the Gazebo area and an outdoor fence at Shakerag Elementary School.
MILTON, Ga — The City of Milton invites residents to participate in Carvin’ for Crabapple Oct. 25 from 4-7 p.m. Bring your own pumpkin and carve out your creation at Broadwell
Continued from Page 1
Fulton County’s priority for the judiciary is two-pronged.
It is seeking creation of one or more additional Superior Court judgeships and passage of Senate Bill 10, authorizing the chief judge to appoint up to five judicial officers.
“This was in direct response to legislation actually passed by the Board of Commissioners in December 2023,” Corbitt said. “Up until now, we have not been successful in securing an additional full-time judgeship.”
New judges would help manage the county’s high case volume and complexity. The judicial officers would handle civil and non-serious felony cases, achieving a similar result.
County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. said he thinks the concept of appointed judicial officers is dangerous and additional ones would set a bad precedent.
“The judges are elected by the people, and they are responsive to the people,” Arrington said. “We got a judge now that’s trying to hold us in contempt
Continued from Page 1
If you live in a city, be sure to check your sample ballot to see who you will be voting for. If you live in an unincorporated area, there is still a race on your ballot for the state Public Service Commission.
The Fulton County polling locations include:
• Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009
• East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb
Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road.
Carvin’ for Crabapple will provide carving and painting tools for participants to create their jack-olantern. Food trucks, inflatables and
and fine us $10,000 a day that’s not responsible to the people, that’s not subject to a vote.”
Arrington is referencing a court order from Senior Superior Court Judge David Emerson, finding the County Commission in contempt of court for failing to appoint Republican nominees to the County Elections Board.
In August, Emerson found the Board of Commissioners in civil contempt and imposed a $10,000 per day fine unless Republican nominees are seated on the County Elections Board.
The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted along party lines Sept. 3 to “table” a vote on the Republican Party’s nominees to the Registration and Elections Board until a state Appellate Court ruling.
The daily fines are paused until the ruling.
After the feedback, Corbitt said the county’s priority is to secure a Superior Court judgeship but there are some roadblocks, requiring the state to allocate funding.
“[Judicial officers are] another option to provide additional resources,” Corbitt said. “One of the things we’ve heard over and over again related to our challenges with the jail and our justice system is
Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076
• Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon, 980 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton, GA 30009
• North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
• Robert F. Fulton Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30005
• Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, GA 30075
• Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
face painting will also be available at the pavilion.
Kids can start collecting candy early at the Milton Police Department’s trunk-or-treat event
we just need greater throughput...”
Another legislative priority – the online publication of legal notices –comes amid local media’s shift away from print publications toward digital platforms. The Atlanta JournalConstitution is ceasing its print newspaper at year’s end.
The county’s legal organ is The South Fulton Neighbor, a weekly print newspaper owned by Times-Journal Inc.
“The Neighbor publishes once a week, and frankly, most people do not consume information in print today,” Corbitt said. “There are numerous kinds of public notices, both from Fulton County as a government as well as from individuals doing business in our courts … and so we’re seeking changes.”
Corbitt said the final priority, which supports local control and opposes sovereign immunity waivers, stems from legislation covering service agreements between Gwinnett County and the newly created City of Mulberry.
A Georgia law passed early this year dictates the transition of services between Gwinnett County and the city.
For the full list of early voting locations in Fulton County, visit https://www. fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fultoncounty/fulton-county-departments/ registration-and-elections/early-votinglocations.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 24. Absentee ballots must be returned by Election Day, Nov. 4. For more information about absentee ballot applications, visit https://georgia.gov/ vote-absentee-ballot.
In Fulton County, absentee dropboxes are available at the
hosted at the Crabapple Government Center across the street from the Broadwell Pavilion.
— Hannah Yahne
One provision removes Gwinnett’s legal protections for one year if it fails to cover costs related to infrastructure, public safety and elections.
The provision, SB 138, is seen as setting a precedent, establishing a model for similar laws or policies in other Georgia counties. Fulton County is opposing it because of the legislation’s perceived challenges to local control and increased avenues for litigation.
“That sought to waive that county’s sovereign immunity protections, which is, of course, a very serious matter as a local government,” Corbitt said.
The discussion devolved into a brief shouting match between commissioners over the potential impact on the County Commission’s ability to reject nominees to the County Election Board.
Corbitt said protection of home rule and sovereign immunity is a legislative priority because of the Association County Commissioners concern over precedent.
“We’ve also seen in the past, legislation that was really focused on Fulton County that sought to diminish either home rule powers or other powers of this duly elected body to make laws and to govern local affairs,” Corbitt said.
Alpharetta Library, Buckhead Library, C.T. Martin Recreation Center, East Point Library, Robert F. Fulton Ocee Library, Sandy Springs Library, and Wolf Creek Library.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. On Election Day, polls are typically open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but sometimes open later if there are technical problems. Usually, anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote. Also, on Election Day, you must vote at the precinct listed on your voter registration.
Plants in the genus, Ligustrum, commonly called privet, are wellknown ornamental plants in the southern garden.
The “Sunshine” cultivar has been bred for its goldenyellow foliage and tolerance to a variety of soil conditions and sunlight. “Swift Creek” is known for its variegated, green-and-cream leaves. However, the original privet species that was used to breed these cultivars did not evolve alongside our native plant and animal communities. Native to Europe and Asia, Ligustrum sinense, also known as small-leaf privet or Chinese privet, was brought to the United States in the 1850s as an ornamental plant.
Since then, small-leaf privet has spread rapidly through yards and gardens and into natural areas across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S. Now listed as a Category I invasive species, smallleaf privet has become a major threat to our locally evolved plants and animals.
Small-leaf privet is a shrub that grows rapidly into dense thickets. For the last century and a half, this feature has been attractive to ornamental gardeners who were looking for privacy shrubs and hedgerows that would fill in quickly. But small-leaf privet has boundary issues and a way of escaping. Their small, abundant fruits entice birds and other wildlife, who eat the berries and disperse the seeds in their droppings. The roots of smallleaf privet also sprout new plants and grow outwards, creating thick monocultures of this intrusive shrub.
Small-leaf privet is an adaptable species and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, climates and amounts of sunlight. It’s even resistant to a notorious plant adversary: deer. As small-leaf privet spreads throughout our natural areas, it shades out native plants, uses up resources and prevents new trees from establishing. Because of its pioneering nature, small-leaf privet is a common sight in open and disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fence rows and forest edges. With a tolerance for shade, it thrives in forest interiors, too.
Small-leaf privet can grow up to 20 feet tall, with multiple trunks
from UGA Extension or the Georgia Native Plant Society for more native plant options for your landscape. Removal by mowing, cutting or pulling by hand is possible when plants are small and tender. An attentive gardener may be able to spot new stems and control the spread this way. Remove as much of the root system as possible when hand pulling, as new plants can sprout from even small pieces of roots that remain in the soil.
and long branches. Leaves grow in an opposite (parallel) pattern along stems, with smooth margins and a little fuzz on the underside. Being a semi-evergreen plant, it keeps its leaves throughout the winter but will drop some before spring. Clusters of small, white flowers emerge in late spring and summer, which develop into waxy, deep purple berries that hang around through the winter. Because Ligustrum have been bred as ornamental plants for centuries, multiple species and cultivars exist and are still planted widely. Identifying small-leaf privet may be difficult and should be done with
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for UGA Extension Fulton County. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle presented “Insect Allies: Predators and Parasitoids in the Garden” in the spring 2023 Gardening Lecture Series presented by the North Fulton Master Gardeners, https:// youtu.be/NZ3um6QXXKc.
diligence.
So, what can be done? Prevention is the first step: avoid planting Ligustrum sinense cultivars in your landscape! There are plenty of locally adapted alternatives, such as inkberry (Ilex glabra), blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), and Carolina cherry laurel (Prunus carolinana). Check out resources
The most effective option for larger plants and thickets is to use herbicides. The “Georgia Pest Management Handbook: Home and Garden Edition” has the most upto-date herbicide recommendations for Georgia growers. When applying herbicides to woody plants, cut stump and basal bark treatments pose the lowest risks to non-target plants and animals. A cut stump treatment means that herbicide is painted onto the cut surface of a stump immediately after the plant is cut down. When applied correctly, the herbicide kills the stump and prevents new growth from resprouting. In a basal bark treatment, herbicide is applied only to the base of the tree or shrub. When using any pesticide, always apply according to label directions and rates, and be sure to wear personal protective equipment as listed on the label.
As plant-inclined people, we can garden thoughtfully to protect and preserve our forests and green spaces. Being aware of introduced species and the impacts they have on our local ecosystems is the first step. From there, we can make informed and impactful gardening choices.
If you have questions about small-leaf privet or other introduced species, contact your local county Extension office.
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https:// www.appenmedia.com/opinion/ columnists/garden_buzz/.
HANS APPEN Publisher
Editors note: this column comes from an email sent to Appen Media subscribers as part of the Fall Fundraising campaign.
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When I was a kid – now some 50+ or so years ago—the first thing I would do every morning before anyone else in the house was up, would be to go outside and get the newspaper. I would bring it into the living room and spread it out over the floor and find the sports section and anxiously thumb through it to see how many points Pistol Pete Maravich scored the night before. And even though I know that it wasn’t actually like that, I recall that almost every time I found a new story about Pete, the number of points he scored the night before always seemed to increase.
For the record, Pete averaged 44.2
“Whether people here completely agree with him or not ... thank you for giving us people who speak their minds and want to do it peacefully. God, use us and this memorial for your good.”
Hickey said he wanted to be sure to thank the Dunwoody Police Department for providing security at the event. Because of the increase in politically motivated violence across the United States, the Brook Run Park Amphitheater was surrounded by officers.
No threats were reported.
points per game at LSU. And that, of course, was before the 3-point rule was in place in basketball. General consensus is that his average would have been around 54 to 57 points per game on average had the rule been in place. Yep, mid 50s.
But, in all fairness to Pistol, his record occurred not only before the 3-point rule was in place, but also before the shot clock rule was used. The shot-clock basically forced a team to take a shot within 30 seconds of possession, so teams prior to the 30 second rule often played a “slowdown” offense and deliberately held the ball as long as possible to limit the number of times a great offensive player like Pete would get his hands on the ball. So, Pete got his average of 44.2 prior to the 3-point thing and prior to the shot clock, which allowed that stall tactic (which, obviously, didn’t work against Pete very well).
State Rep. Long Tran, a Democrat from Dunwoody representing northeast DeKalb and parts of Gwinnett County, kicked off the evening by participating in a Kirkstyle debate with attendees.
“Jay is a friend of mine,” Tran said. “I don’t want to say that I’m just here because these are my constituents, I have friends and people I’ve known for over 10 years here.”
Tran, elected to serve District 80 in the Georgia House in 2023, said he got to know many community members during his time as a local Boy Scout leader and soccer coach.
“I now the pain even though we are on different political sides,” Tran said. “I just felt like it’s important to
It is estimated that had the shot clock been in place during Pete’s day, he would have gotten possession of the ball more times which would have added an estimated 3–6 additional points to his average.
So, playing in today’s game – with the 3-point shot and the shot clock – Pete would have perhaps averaged instead of 54-57 points per game, somewhere around 57 to 63 points per game. Per game.
Let’s put that in perspective a little.
I asked ChatGPT on average –today - in a single year, how many times does a college basketball player score 50 points or more in a game. Chat replied that since 2010 – in the last 15 years - “only 14 times has a college player dropped 50 or more against another Division 1 team –so, roughly one 50 point game per season – in all of Division 1 college
be here to share and agree.”
Stephanie Gomez and Jessica Zolotarezsky, rounding out the trio of event organizers, were behind the scenes ensuring the run of show went smoothly.
Gomez said she was really broken up about Kirk’s death and made it her priority to honor him in some way. As for disruptions during the memorial, she said one woman called everyone “white supremacists” and a person with neon-colored hair gave her the “stink eye.”
Every generation was represented at memorial.
Two students from Riverwood High School played trumpets throughout the evening. A group of Dunwoody High School students
basketball.
So, today on average, one player in all of college Division 1 basketball in an entire year scores 50 points or more in a game - compared to Pete’s estimated projected average of 57 to 63 points per game – in his 83 college games had the 3-point and shot clock rules been in place.
Talk about sports records that will probably never be broken.
Maybe there are some other sports records that may be harder to beat – DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played, Edwin Moses’ 10-year streak in the 400 meter hurdles (122 consecutive races ) – or perhaps (for “modern baseball”) Robin Roberts’ Major League record of 305 complete games pitched (out of 609 starts) from 1948 to 1966, but I think I have to go with the Pistol.
What do you think?
standing at the back of the amphitheater said they were in the area and thought it was important enough to stop by.
From baby boomers to toddlers waving American flags at the memorial, Kirk’s life and legacy touched every generation.
Former U.S. Rep. and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr, a conservative Republican, said it was a great pleasure to be at the memorial despite the sad occasion.
“I followed Charlie tremendously over the years, the far-too-few number of years that he was with us,” Barr said. “He had a great sense of humor, and I always enjoyed that in him. I miss him terribly … we need people like Charlie.”
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